难免

• Pinyin: nán miǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 难 = 又 (hand) + 隹 (bird) — a bird difficult to catch; 免 = pictograph of a rabbit escaping — to avoid or be exempt

Meaning

Hard to avoid; inevitable; unavoidable. Expressing that something is naturally expected given the circumstances.

Used to express that a certain outcome or feeling is natural and unavoidable given the situation. Often carries a tone of understanding or acceptance. Usually followed by 会 or directly by the result clause. It softens negative outcomes by acknowledging they are normal or expected.

Examples

1. 刚到一个新城市，难免会觉得有些孤单。 Having just arrived in a new city, it's inevitable you'll feel a bit lonely.
2. 第一次做这种工作，难免会出错。 The first time doing this kind of work, mistakes are unavoidable.
3. 人与人之间相处，难免会有些矛盾。 When people interact with each other, some conflicts are bound to arise.

Usage Guide

Context: consolation, analysis, reflection

Tone: understanding

Do Say

• 新手开车难免紧张，慢慢来就好。(New drivers inevitably feel nervous — just take it slow.)
• 长时间不见面，难免会想念对方。(When you haven't seen each other for a long time, it's only natural to miss each other.)

Don't Say

• 用'难免'描述完全可以避免的事 (Don't use 难免 for things that are clearly avoidable — e.g. not studying and failing an exam was within your control)

Origin & History

A compound of 难 (difficult) and 免 (to avoid/exempt) — difficult to avoid or exempt from.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal